How She Became New York’s “Trumpet Lady” — Syreeta Thompson

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to be heard—and lead boldly—in a world that hasn’t always made space for women instrumentalists? In this episode of She Creates Noise, Sarah sits down with Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Syreeta Thompson, known as “New York’s Trumpet Lady,” to talk about the determination, discipline, and confidence that built her remarkable career. From her Chicago roots to stages across New York and beyond, Syreeta shares how a childhood surrounded by jazz, soul, and church music shaped her path. Though she began on clarinet, she quickly found her true voice through the trumpet. “It was the loudest instrument in the band,” she says with a laugh. “I wanted to be heard.” Syreeta’s story begins with her name itself – named after Syreeta Wright, Stevie Wonder's wife – setting the stage for a life immersed in music. This conversation brilliantly illuminates the dedication behind musical mastery. Under the mentorship of Bill Fielder (who also taught Wynton Marsalis), Syreeta spent two years focusing solely on proper breathing techniques before playing a single note on her trumpet. This foundation-building approach, combined with her experiences playing in Pentecostal churches, created her signature sound – a distinctive fusion of jazz sophistication, classical technique, and gospel soul that has topped both jazz and gospel charts simultaneously. Beyond her musical achievements, Syreeta’s advocacy for women in music stands tall. Her custom trumpet, encrusted with over 10,000 Swarovski crystals, isn't just an instrument but a statement piece reflecting her bold artistic vision. Her upcoming documentary "Blow Yo Horn: Making Music in a Man's World" aims to amplify female instrumentalists who haven't received proper recognition. As an educator partnered with Berklee and Juilliard, she instills her "winner mindset" in the next generation: "If you don't see yourself as a winner, who else will?" Discover Syreeta’s projects, including her new single "With You I'm Born Again" featuring Tony Lindsey from Santana, plus performances at Lincoln Center and in Los Angeles. Subscribe now to hear more stories of women reshaping the music industry landscape through creativity, persistence, and unapologetic authenticity. https://www.instagram.com/trumpetladyt/?hl=en https://ladytrumpet.org/support-our-partners-with-a-donation https://open.spotify.com/album/04S6nb2XhHJUyCg8O9XH2R?si=ADVQO8KWTxO3VRcs4y4_GQ Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share. Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'. Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry. https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/ https://www.sarahnagourney.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/ https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheCreatesNoise Email: [email protected]